Communication method, communication device, communication apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication equipment and a storage medium. The communication method comprises the following steps: sending first information, wherein the first information comprises timing range information and first indication information; wherein the timing range information indicates a timing range of a time offset; and the first indication information indicates the time offset determined from the timing range. The communication method provided by the embodiment of the disclosure can determine the time offset suitable for the current satellite communication scene, thereby improving the accuracy of the time offset determined in different satellite communication scenes, and further improving the reliability of the transmission between the network equipment and the UE of the NTN.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, the technical field of communication, and in particular, to a communication method, a communication device, a communication apparatus and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the continuous emergence of new Internet applications such as new generation of augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) puts higher requirements on wireless communication technology, which drives the continuous evolution of wireless communication technology to meet the needs of applications. At present, cellular mobile communication technology is in the evolution stage of new generation technology. One important feature of the new generation technology is to support flexible configuration of multiple service types. Different service types have different requirements for wireless communication technology. For example, the main requirements of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) service type focus on large bandwidth and high speed; the main requirements of ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) service type focus on high reliability and low latency; and the main requirements of massive machine type communication (mMTC) service type focus on large data. Therefore, the new generation of wireless communication system needs flexible and configurable design to support the transmission of multiple service types.

[0003] In the research of wireless communication technology, satellite communication is considered as an important aspect of the development of future wireless communication technology. Satellite communication refers to the communication between radio communication devices on the ground using satellites as relays. The satellite communication system is composed of satellite part and ground part. The characteristics of satellite communication are: large communication range; communication can be carried out between any two points as long as they are within the coverage of satellite transmission; not easily affected by land disasters (high reliability). As a supplement to the current ground cellular communication system, satellite communication can have the following benefits:

[0004] Extended coverage: for areas that cannot be covered by the current cellular communication system or have high coverage costs, such as oceans, deserts, remote mountainous areas, etc., satellite communication can be used to solve the problem of communication.

[0005] Emergency communication: in the case of extreme conditions such as earthquakes that cause the infrastructure of cellular communication to be unavailable, satellite communication can quickly establish a communication connection.

[0006] Provide industry applications: such as for long-distance transmission of time-sensitive services, satellite communication can be used to reduce the time delay of service transmission.

[0007] It can be foreseen that in the future wireless communication system, satellite communication system and terrestrial cellular communication system will gradually realize deep integration, and truly realize everything intelligent connection. However, due to the high-speed movement of the satellite, it is difficult to effectively realize the reliability of data interaction in the satellite communication scenario. SUMMARY

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a communication device, a communication equipment and a storage medium.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a network device of a non-terrestrial network (NTN), comprising:

[0010] sending first information, the first information comprising: timing range information and first indication information; wherein the timing range information is used to indicate a timing range of a time offset; the first indication information is used to indicate a time offset determined from the timing range.

[0011] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises: a first timing range;

[0012] The first information further comprises: reference timing information indicating a reference timing time;

[0013] The reference timing time and the first indication information are used to indicate a time offset determined from the first timing range.

[0014] In some embodiments, further comprising: determining the reference timing information based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0015] In some embodiments, the reference timing time comprises one of:

[0016] one or more slots corresponding to a predetermined subcarrier spacing (SCS);

[0017] one or more slots.

[0018] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises: a second timing range or second indication information indicating the second timing range;

[0019] The first indication information is used to indicate a time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0020] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises ephemeris information, wherein the ephemeris information is used to determine a second timing range of the time offset; and wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sending the first information comprises: sending high layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising:

[0023] receiving first information, wherein the first information comprises timing range information and first indication information;

[0024] determining a timing range of a time offset based on the timing range information;

[0025] determining the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first information comprises reference timing information indicating a reference timing time.

[0027] determining the timing range of the time offset based on the timing range information comprises:

[0028] determining a first timing range of the time offset based on a first timing range comprised in the timing range information;

[0029] determining the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information comprises:

[0030] determining the time offset from the first timing range based on the first indication information and the reference timing time.

[0031] In some embodiments, the reference timing information is determined based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0032] In some embodiments, the reference timing information comprises one of:

[0033] one or more slots corresponding to the predetermined SCS;

[0034] one or more slots.

[0035] In some embodiments, the determining the timing range of the time offset based on the timing range information comprises one of:

[0036] determining a second timing range of the time offset based on a second timing range comprised in the timing range information;

[0037] determine the second timing range of the time offset based on second indication information included in the timing range information, the second indication information indicating a second timing range;

[0038] determine the second timing range of the time offset based on ephemeris information included in the timing range information.

[0039] In some embodiments, determining the second timing range of the time offset based on ephemeris information included in the timing range information comprises:

[0040] determining the second timing range of the time offset based on the ephemeris information and a pre-set correspondence relationship, the correspondence relationship being a correspondence relationship between the ephemeris information and the second timing range.

[0041] In some embodiments, receiving the first information comprises receiving high-layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, which is applied to a network device of an NTN, and comprises:

[0043] a sending module configured to send first information, the first information comprising timing range information and first indication information, wherein the timing range information is used to indicate a timing range of a time offset, and the first indication information is used to indicate the time offset determined from the timing range.

[0044] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises a first timing range.

[0045] The first information further comprises reference timing information indicating a reference timing time.

[0046] The reference timing time and the first indication information are used to indicate the time offset determined from the first timing range.

[0047] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises:

[0048] a processing module configured to determine the reference timing information based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0049] In some embodiments, the reference timing time comprises one of the following:

[0050] one or more time slots corresponding to a predetermined SCS;

[0051] one or more time slots.

[0052] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises a second timing range or second indication information indicating a second timing range.

[0053] The first indication information is used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0054] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises ephemeris information, wherein the ephemeris information is used to determine the second timing range of the time offset;

[0055] The first indication information is used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sending module is configured to send high layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus applied to a UE is provided, comprising:

[0058] The receiving module is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information comprises timing range information and first indication information;

[0059] The processing module is configured to determine a timing range of a time offset based on the timing range information;

[0060] The processing module is configured to determine the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first information comprises reference timing information indicating a reference timing time;

[0062] The processing module is configured to determine a first timing range of the time offset based on a first timing range comprised in the timing range information;

[0063] The processing module is configured to determine the time offset from the first timing range based on the first indication information and the reference timing time.

[0064] In some embodiments, the reference timing information is determined based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0065] In some embodiments, the reference timing information comprises one of the following:

[0066] one or more slots corresponding to the predetermined SCS;

[0067] one or more slots.

[0068] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to one of the following:

[0069] determine a second timing range of the time offset based on a second timing range comprised in the timing range information;

[0070] determine a second timing range of the time offset based on second indication information indicating the second timing range comprised in the timing range information;

[0071] Determine the second timing range of the time offset based on the ephemeris information included in the timing range information.

[0072] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine the second timing range of the time offset based on the ephemeris information and a preset correspondence relationship; wherein the correspondence relationship is a correspondence relationship between the ephemeris information and the second timing range.

[0073] In some embodiments, the receiving module is configured to receive the high-layer signaling or the physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

[0074] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0075] a processor;

[0076] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0077] wherein the processor is configured to implement the communication method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure when running the executable instructions.

[0078] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer storage medium is provided, wherein the computer storage medium stores a computer executable program, and the executable program is executed by a processor to implement the communication method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the following beneficial effects:

[0080] The embodiments of the present disclosure can send the first information to the UE through the network device of the NTN, and the first information includes: timing range information and first indication information; wherein the timing range information indicates the timing range of the time offset; and the first indication information indicates the time offset determined from the timing range. In this way, the embodiments of the present disclosure can inform the UE of the timing range and the first indication information in the satellite communication scenario through the network device of the NTN, so that the UE can determine the time offset suitable for the current satellite communication scenario based on the first indication information; thereby improving the accuracy of the time offset determined in different satellite communication scenarios, and further improving the reliability of the transmission between the network device of the NTN and the UE.

[0081] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0082] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0083] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of uplink and downlink transmission timing alignment on the base station side according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating uplink and downlink transmission timing misalignment on the base station side according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0086] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0089] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0090] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0091] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a user device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating a base station according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0093] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0094] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0095] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various information, the information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to differentiate one piece of information from another piece of information. For example, without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure, first information can also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information can also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if' as used herein can be interpreted as "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining".

[0096] Reference is made to Figure 1 which shows a structure diagram of a wireless communication system provided by embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 , the wireless communication system is a communication system based on cellular mobile communication technology, and the wireless communication system can include a plurality of user equipment 110 and a plurality of base stations 120.

[0097] The user equipment 110 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The user equipment 110 can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN), and the user equipment 110 can be an Internet of Things user equipment, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), and a computer with an Internet of Things user equipment, for example, which can be a fixed, portable, pocket, handheld, built-in, or vehicle-mounted device. For example, a station (STA), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, or a user equipment. Alternatively, the user equipment 110 can also be a device of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Alternatively, the user equipment 110 can also be a vehicle-mounted device, which can be a vehicle-mounted computer with wireless communication function or a wireless user equipment externally connected to the vehicle-mounted computer. Alternatively, the user equipment 110 can also be a roadside device, which can be a street lamp, a signal lamp, or other roadside devices with wireless communication function, etc.

[0098] The base station 120 can be a network side device in a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system can be a 4th generation mobile communication (4G) system, also known as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or the wireless communication system can be a 5G system, also known as a New Radio (NR) system. Alternatively, the wireless communication system can be a further next generation system of the 5G system. In the 5G system, the access network can be referred to as a New Generation-Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0099] The base station 120 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 4G system. Alternatively, the base station 120 can be a base station (gNB) in a 5G system using a centralized and distributed architecture. When the base station 120 uses the centralized and distributed architecture, the base station 120 generally includes a central unit (CU) and at least two distributed units (DUs). The CU is configured with a protocol stack of a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. The DUs are configured with a protocol stack of a Physical (PHY) layer. The specific implementation of the base station 120 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] The base station 120 and the user equipment 110 can establish a wireless connection through a wireless air interface. In different embodiments, the wireless air interface is based on a 4th generation mobile communication (4G) standard, or the wireless air interface is based on a 5th generation mobile communication (5G) standard, such as a New Radio (NR) interface, or the wireless air interface can be based on a further next generation mobile communication standard of the 5G.

[0101] In some embodiments, the user equipment 110 can also establish an E2E (End to End) connection. For example, in a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, such as a vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, a vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, and a vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) communication.

[0102] Herein, the user equipment described above can be considered as a terminal device of the following embodiments.

[0103] In some embodiments, the wireless communication system described above can further comprise a network management device 130.

[0104] A plurality of base stations 120 are connected to the network management device 130 respectively. The network management device 130 can be a core network device in the wireless communication system, for example, the network management device 130 can be a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Alternatively, the network management device can also be other core network devices, such as a Serving GateWay (SGW), a Public Data Network GateWay (PGW), a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), or a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), etc. The implementation form of the network management device 130 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] In order to better understand the technical solutions described in any embodiment of the present disclosure, first, some related content such as satellite communication scenarios is described:

[0106] In the scenario of satellite communication, due to the long signal transmission distance between the sending end and the receiving end, there is a large time for data transmission, which is the transmission delay. A time offset is introduced to compensate for the transmission delay for transmission (including uplink and downlink transmission).

[0107] In one embodiment, the uplink and downlink transmission timings of the base station side are aligned. As shown in FIG. 1, the uplink (gNB UL) and downlink (gNB DL) transmission timings of the base station (gNB) are aligned, that is, the frames marked n in gNB UL and gNB DL are aligned. Figure 2 Figure 2 The uplink transmission timing of the user equipment (UE) needs to consider the transmission delay from the UE to the satellite, so that the uplink transmissions of different UEs can reach the gNB within a predetermined time range. Figure 2

[0108] ​​In another embodiment, the uplink and downlink transmission timings are misaligned on the base station side. For example... Figure 3 As shown: The uplink and downlink transmissions of the gNB are misaligned, that is... Figure 3 Frames labeled 'n' in the gNB UL and gNB DL are misaligned, exhibiting a time-domain offset (gNB DL-UL frame timing shift). Downlink transmission from the gNB (gNB DL) and downlink transmission from the UE (UE DL) experience a transmission delay. Similarly, uplink transmission timing advance (TA) for the UE needs to consider the transmission delay from the terminal to the satellite to ensure that uplink transmissions from different UEs can reach the gNB within a predetermined time range. In this example, timing advance is considered in conjunction with the time-domain timing offset (gNB DL-UL frame timing shift) between the gNB's uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0109] In one embodiment, the time offset can be applied, but is not limited to, in at least one of the following transmissions: Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission scheduled by Downlink Control Information (DCI), transmission of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback information, and Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE). In one embodiment, the time offset includes a timing offset (Koffset). For example, when the timing offset is applied to the transmission of HARQ feedback information, if the last time slot in which the UE receives the PDSCH is time slot n, then the UE transmits the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) including the corresponding HARQ-ACK information in time slot n + K1 + Koffset; where K1 is the number of time slots. As another example, when the timing offset is applied to the PUSCH of the DCI, if the UE receives the DCI scheduling the PUSCH transmission in time slot n, and the DCI indicates a time slot offset of K2, then the UE transmits the PUSCH in time slot n + K1 + Koffset. PUSCH is transmitted in the middle; where μ PUSCH and μ PDCCH These are the subcarrier spacing configurations for PUSCH and Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), respectively.

[0110] In one embodiment, the value of Koffset depends on the transmission delay from the UE to the network device (e.g., a base station). For satellite communication, the value of Koffset will differ depending on the satellite's orbital altitude.

[0111] In satellite communication scenarios, the range of time offsets used may vary depending on the specific context. In one embodiment, the range of time offsets depends on orbital information and the location of the reference point. In another embodiment, the range of time offsets is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 450 ms.

[0112] In one embodiment, a range of time offsets supports all satellite communication scenarios. In this embodiment, the granularity of this time offset range is relatively large, resulting in additional signaling overhead.

[0113] In one embodiment, different time offset ranges support different satellite communication scenarios. In this embodiment, it is necessary to define different application scenarios and the corresponding value ranges for each application scenario.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by an NTN network device, including:

[0115] Step S41: Send first information, the first information including: timing range information and first indication information; wherein, the timing range information is used to indicate the timing range of the time offset; the first indication information is used to indicate the time offset determined from the timing range.

[0116] The method provided in this disclosure is applied in an NTN, which includes, but is not limited to, a network that uses satellites as relays for communication.

[0117] The method provided in this disclosure can be executed by an NTN network device; the NTN network device includes: an access network device or a core network device.

[0118] In one embodiment, the access network device may be, but is not limited to, various types of base stations; for example, it may be a 2G base station, a 3G base station, a 4G base station, a 5G base station, or other evolved base stations.

[0119] In one embodiment, the core network device can be various physical or logical entities, such as a mobility management entity or a serving gateway. When the communication method is executed by the core network device, the core network device sends the first information to the base station, and the base station then forwards the first information to the UE.

[0120] In an embodiment, the time offset includes a timing offset (Koffset).

[0121] A communication method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is performed by a network device of an NTN, and can include: sending first information to a UE, wherein the first information includes timing range information and first indication information; the timing range information indicates a timing range of Koffset; and the first indication information indicates Koffset determined from the timing range.

[0122] In an embodiment, Koffset can be used to compensate for the timing deviation of the uplink and downlink of the UE.

[0123] In an embodiment, Koffset is greater than or equal to the timing advance. For example, the timing advance is 10 milliseconds (ms), and Koffset is 12 ms.

[0124] In this way, the transmission delay of the transmission between the network device (e.g., base station) of the NTN and the UE can be supplemented by the time offset, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission between the network device of the NTN and the UE.

[0125] In an embodiment, the timing range information includes a first timing range or a second timing range.

[0126] In an embodiment, the first timing range can be considered as a unified timing range. For example, the base station sends a unified timing range of 0 to 1000 ms or 0 to 500 ms to part of the UEs or all the UEs in the cell. For example, the unified timing range supports all application scenarios of satellite communication.

[0127] In another embodiment, the second timing range can be considered as one of a predetermined number of timing ranges specified in a communication protocol. For example, as shown in the following table, the second timing range can be 0-100 ms, 101-200 ms, 201-300 ms, 301-400 ms, and 401-500 ms.

[0128] Serial number Second timing range 1 0-100 ms 2 101-200 ms 3 201-300 ms 4 301-400 ms 5 401-500 ms

[0129] Table 1

[0130] Here, the predetermined number of second timing ranges can be pre-stored in the base station; when the base station sends the first information, it can carry one of the second timing ranges to send to the UE. Here, the predetermined number can be a number greater than 1. Here, the range of the predetermined number of second timing ranges can not be the range shown in Table 1; for example, it can also be 0-200 ms, 201-400 ms, or 401-600 ms, etc.

[0131] It can be understood that each element in the above table 1 exists independently, and these elements are exemplarily listed in the same table, but it does not mean that all elements in the table must exist at the same time as shown in the table. The value of each element is independent of the value of any other element in table 1. Therefore, those skilled in the art can understand that the value of each element in the table 1 is an independent embodiment.

[0132] In one embodiment, the first timing range can be divided into one or more second timing ranges. For example, the first timing range is 0-500 ms; the first timing range can be divided into 5 second timing ranges, which are 0-100 ms, 101-200 ms, 201-300 ms, 301-400 ms, and 401-500 ms.

[0133] In another embodiment, the range of the first timing range is greater than or equal to the range of the second timing range. For example, the first timing range is 0-500 ms; the second timing range is 301-400 ms.

[0134] In yet another embodiment, the first timing range and the second timing range are two ranges without a specific relationship. For example, the first timing range is 0-200 ms; the second timing range is 150-250 ms.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first indication information can be information of a first predetermined number of bits. Here, the first predetermined number of bits can be greater than or equal to 1 bit.

[0136] For example, the communication protocol predefines the correspondence between the first indication information and the Koffset of the timing range of the Koffset. For example, the timing range of the Koffset is 0-100 ms. For example, the first indication information can be indicated by 4 bits: when the first indication information is "0000", it indicates that the Koffset is 0 ms; when the first indication information is "0001", it indicates that the Koffset is 10 ms; when the first indication information is "0010", it indicates that the Koffset is 20 ms; and so on. For another example, the first indication information can be indicated by 8 bits: when the first indication information is "00000000", it indicates that the Koffset is 0 ms; when the first indication information is "00000001", it indicates that the Koffset is 1 ms; when the first indication information is "00000010", it indicates that the Koffset is 2 ms; when the first indication information is "00000011", it indicates that the Koffset is 3 ms; and so on.

[0137] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device of the NTN can inform the UE of the timing range and the first indication information in the satellite communication scenario, so that the UE can determine the time offset in the current satellite communication scenario based on the first indication information, thereby improving the accuracy of the time offset determined in different satellite communication scenarios, and further improving the transmission reliability between the network device of the NTN and the UE.

[0138] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, executed by a network device of an NTN, comprising: transmitting high-layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying first information.

[0139] In one embodiment, the high-layer signaling comprises: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) signaling.

[0140] In one embodiment, the physical layer signaling comprises: Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0141] In another embodiment, the network device of the NTN can also transmit the first information through existing system messages or dedicated system messages.

[0142] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device of the NTN can transmit the first information through high-layer signaling, physical layer signaling, system messages, etc., thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the high-layer signaling, the physical layer signaling, or the system messages, and saving the signaling overhead.

[0143] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can understand that the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed alone or together with some methods in some methods or related technologies in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0144] As shown in Figure 5 The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, executed by a network device of an NTN, which can comprise:

[0145] Step S51: transmitting first information, wherein the first information comprises: reference timing information indicating a reference timing time, a first timing range, and first indication information; wherein the reference timing time and the first indication information are used to indicate a time offset determined from the first timing range.

[0146] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first indication information is the first indication information in step S41, the first timing range is the first timing range in step S41, and the time offset is the time offset in step S41.

[0147] The embodiment of the disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device of an NTN, and can comprise: determining reference timing information based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0148] Here, the ephemeris information of the satellite can also refer to orbit information of the satellite; the ephemeris information of the satellite can indicate an orbit state of the satellite at different times. In this way, the network device of the NTN can determine the height range in which the satellite is located through the information of the satellite or the orbit information of the satellite, and then determine the reference timing information according to the height range. Here, the height of the height range of the satellite is positively correlated with the reference timing time indicated by the reference timing information.

[0149] In this way, the embodiment of the disclosure can determine the accurate reference timing time according to the actual trajectory of the satellite, so as to determine the accurate time offset.

[0150] In one embodiment, the reference timing time comprises one or more time slots. For example, if one time slot is 1 ms; if the reference timing time comprises one time slot, the reference timing time is 1 ms; if the reference timing time comprises 10 time slots, the reference timing time is 10 ms.

[0151] In another embodiment, the reference timing time comprises one or more time slots corresponding to a predetermined subcarrier spacing (SCS). Here, the predetermined SCS can refer to any SCS; for example, the predetermined SCS can be 15 KHZ, 30 KHZ, or 240 KHZ, etc. For example, if the predetermined SCS is 15 KHZ, one symbol is 66.67 microseconds (us); one time slot comprises 14 symbols, so one time slot is about 1 ms. If the reference timing time comprises one time slot corresponding to the predetermined SCS, the reference timing time is 1 ms; if the reference timing time comprises 12 time slots corresponding to the predetermined SCS, the reference timing time is 12 ms.

[0152] In yet another embodiment, the reference timing time can also comprise a plurality of symbols corresponding to the predetermined SCS.

[0153] In one embodiment, the product of the reference timing time and the value indicated by the first indication information is used to indicate the time offset determined from the first timing range.

[0154] For example, if the first timing range sent by the base station to the UE is 0-1000 ms, the first indication information is "0011", and the reference timing time indicated by the reference timing information is 10 ms; the value indicated by the first indication information is 3 and the reference timing time is 10 ms, it is determined that the first indication information and the reference timing time indicate a time offset of 30 ms in the first timing range 0-1000 ms.

[0155] For example, if the first timing range sent by the base station to the UE is 0-1000 ms, the first indication information is "0011", and the reference timing time indicated by the reference timing information is 10 ms; the value indicated by the first indication information is 3 and the reference timing time is 10 ms, it is determined that the first indication information and the reference timing time indicate a time offset of 30 ms in the first timing range 0-1000 ms.

[0156] For example, if the first timing range sent by the base station to the UE is 0-1000 ms, the first indication information is "0011", and the reference timing time indicated by the reference timing information is 10 ms; the value indicated by the first indication information is 3 and the reference timing time is 10 ms, it is determined that the first indication information and the reference timing time indicate a time offset of 30 ms in the first timing range 0-1000 ms.

[0157] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device of the NTN can send the UE the first timing range supporting all application scenarios of satellite communication, and send the UE the reference timing information and the first indication information; in this way, the UE can realize the indication of the time offset in the first timing range with different granularities through different reference timing information and first indication information. In this way, the UE can determine the accurate time offset through a unified timing range for various application scenarios of satellite communication; and further improve the reliability of transmission between the network device of the NTN and the UE in these application scenarios.

[0158] In addition, for the first timing range with a relatively large range, a larger reference timing time can be configured, so that even if the first indication information with a relatively small number of bits is used, the accurate time offset of the transmission between the network device of the NTN and the UE can be indicated. In this way, the number of bits of the first indication information can be saved, and the signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0159] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can understand that the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed alone or together with some methods in some methods or related technologies in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0160] As shown in Figure 6 the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a network device of an NTN, and can include:

[0161] Step S61: transmitting the first information; wherein the first information comprises: the second timing range and the first indication information, or the second indication information indicating the second timing range and the first indication information, or the ephemeris information and the first indication information; wherein the ephemeris information is used to determine the second timing range of the time offset; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0162] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first indication information is the first indication information in step S41; the second timing range is the second timing range in step S41; and the time offset is the time offset in step S41.

[0163] In one embodiment, the second indication information is information of a second predetermined number of bits. Here, the second predetermined number of bits can be greater than or equal to 1 bit.

[0164] For example, the communication protocol predefines the correspondence between the second indication information and the second timing range. For example, when the second indication information is "001", it indicates that the second timing range is 0-100 ms; when the second indication information is "010", it indicates that the second timing range is 101-200 ms; when the second indication information is "011", it indicates that the second timing range is 201-300; when the second indication information is "0100", it indicates that the second timing range is 301-400 ms; when the second indication information is "0101", it indicates that the second timing range is 401-500 ms; and so on. In this way, if the UE receives the second indication information, it can determine the second timing range based on the second indication information.

[0165] In one embodiment, the ephemeris information of the satellite can also refer to the orbit information of the satellite; the ephemeris information or the orbit information of the satellite can be used to determine the altitude range in which the satellite is located. Here, the altitude of the satellite is positively correlated with the size of the upper limit and the lower limit of the second timing range. For example, if the altitude of the satellite is less than 600 kilometers (km), the second timing range is 0-40 ms; if the altitude of the satellite is 600-12000 km, the second timing range is 40-600 ms; and so on. In this way, if the UE receives the ephemeris information, it can determine the second timing range based on the ephemeris information.

[0166] In one embodiment, the ephemeris information can also be sent to the UE through the system message. In this way, the present embodiment can carry the ephemeris information through the system message, which can reduce the signaling overhead.

[0167] In an embodiment, the communication protocol pre-defines a correspondence between the first indication information and the time offset in the second timing range. In this way, the time offset in the second timing range can be indicated by the first indication information.

[0168] For example, the second timing range sent by the base station to the UE is 0-100 ms, and the first indication information is "0001"; the first indication information "0001" indicates 10, and it is determined that the first indication information indicates that the time offset in the second timing range 0-100 ms is 10 ms.

[0169] For example, the second timing range sent by the base station to the UE is 0-100 ms, and the first indication information is "0101"; the first indication information "0101" indicates 50, and it is determined that the first indication information indicates that the time offset in the second timing range 0-100 ms is 50 ms.

[0170] For example, the second timing range sent by the base station to the UE is 101-200 ms, and the first indication information is "0101"; the first indication information "0101" indicates 50, and it is determined that the first indication information indicates that the time offset in the second timing range 101-201 ms is 150 ms.

[0171] For example, the second timing range sent by the base station to the UE is 0-100 ms, and the first indication information is "00000001"; the first indication information "00000001" indicates 1, and it is determined that the first indication information indicates that the time offset in the second timing range 0-100 ms is 1 ms.

[0172] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device of the NTN can send the second timing range corresponding to the scenario of different satellite communication to the UE, and send the first indication information to the UE, so that the UE can determine the accurate time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information, thereby improving the transmission reliability between the network device of the NTN and the UE in the scenario of different satellite communication.

[0173] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can understand that the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed alone or together with some methods in some methods or related technologies in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0174] The following communication method is executed by the UE, which is similar to the description of the communication method executed by the network device of the NTN; and for technical details not disclosed in the communication method executed by the UE, please refer to the description of the communication method executed by the network device of the NTN, which will not be described in detail here.

[0175] AsFigure 7 The embodiment of the disclosure provides a communication method, executed by a UE, including:

[0176] Step S71: receiving first information, wherein the first information includes timing range information and first indication information;

[0177] Step S72: determining a timing range of the time offset based on the timing range information;

[0178] Step S73: determining the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information.

[0179] In one embodiment, the timing range information includes one of the following: a first timing range, a second timing range, second indication information indicating the second timing range, and ephemeris information. Here, the ephemeris information can be used to determine the second timing range.

[0180] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first information can be the first information in step S41 or S51; the timing range information can be the timing range information in step S41; the first indication information can be the first indication information in step S41; and the ephemeris information can be the ephemeris information in step S51.

[0181] In one embodiment, the first information includes reference timing information indicating a reference timing time.

[0182] Step S72 includes: determining the first timing range of the time offset based on the first timing range included in the timing range information.

[0183] Step S73 includes: determining the time offset from the first timing range based on the first indication information and the reference timing time.

[0184] The embodiment of the disclosure provides a communication method, executed by a UE, which can include: receiving first information, the first information including: reference timing information indicating a reference timing time, a first timing range, and first indication information; and determining the time offset from the first timing range based on the first indication information and the reference timing time.

[0185] The embodiment of the disclosure provides a communication method, executed by a UE, which can include: determining the time offset from the first timing range based on the product of the value indicated by the first indication information and the reference timing time.

[0186] In one embodiment, the reference timing information is determined based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0187] In one embodiment, the reference timing information includes one of the following: one or more time slots corresponding to a predetermined SCS; and the one or more time slots.

[0188] In some embodiments, step S72 comprises one of:

[0189] determining the second timing range of the time offset based on second indication information included in the timing range information and indicating the second timing range;

[0190] determining the second timing range of the time offset based on second indication information included in the timing range information and indicating the second timing range;

[0191] determining the second timing range of the time offset based on ephemeris information included in the timing range information.

[0192] In some embodiments, determining the second timing range of the time offset based on ephemeris information included in the timing range information comprises:

[0193] determining the second timing range of the time offset based on the ephemeris information and a pre-set correspondence relationship, wherein the correspondence relationship is a correspondence relationship between the ephemeris information and the second timing range.

[0194] A communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed by a UE, can comprise: receiving first information, the first information comprising: a second timing range and first indication information; and determining a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0195] A communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed by a UE, can comprise: receiving first information, the first information comprising: second indication information and first indication information; determining a second timing range based on the second indication information; and determining a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0196] A communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed by a UE, can comprise: pre-storing a correspondence relationship between second indication information and a second timing range.

[0197] A communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed by a UE, can comprise: receiving first information, the first information comprising: ephemeris information and first indication information; determining a second timing range based on the ephemeris information; and determining a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0198] A communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed by a UE, can comprise: pre-storing a correspondence relationship between ephemeris information and a second timing range.

[0199] A communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed by a UE, can comprise: pre-storing a correspondence relationship between ephemeris information and a timing range.

[0200] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by a UE, and can include: receiving first indication information and ephemeris information; determining a second timing range based on the ephemeris information and a preset correspondence relationship; and determining a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0201] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by a UE, and can include: receiving first indication information and ephemeris information parsed from system information; determining a second timing range based on the ephemeris information and a preset correspondence relationship; and determining a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0202] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by a UE, and can include: receiving high-layer signaling carrying first information; or receiving physical layer signaling carrying first information; or receiving system information carrying first information.

[0203] The above embodiments can be specifically referred to the description of the network device side of the NTN, which will not be repeated here.

[0204] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can understand that the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can be executed alone or together with some methods in some methods or related technologies in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] As shown in Figure 8 The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a network device of an NTN, and can include:

[0206] The sending module 41 is configured to send first information, and the first information includes: timing range information and first indication information; wherein the timing range information indicates a timing range of a time offset; and the first indication information indicates a time offset determined from the timing range.

[0207] In some embodiments, the timing range information includes: a first timing range;

[0208] The first information further includes: reference timing information indicating a reference timing time;

[0209] The reference timing time and the first indication information are used to indicate a time offset determined from the first timing range.

[0210] The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a network device of an NTN, and can include: a sending module 41 configured to send first information, and the first information includes: reference timing information indicating a reference timing time, a first timing range, and first indication information; wherein the reference timing time and the first indication information are used to indicate a timing offset determined from the first timing range.

[0211] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied to a network device of an NTN, and can comprise: a processing module configured to determine reference timing information based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0212] In one embodiment, the reference timing time comprises one of the following:

[0213] one or more time slots corresponding to the predetermined SCS;

[0214] one or more time slots.

[0215] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises: second timing range or second indication information indicating the second timing range.

[0216] The first indication information is used for indicating the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0217] In some embodiments, the timing range information comprises: ephemeris information, wherein the ephemeris information is used for determining the second timing range of the time offset.

[0218] The first indication information is used for indicating the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0219] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied to a network device of an NTN, and can comprise: a sending module 41 configured to send first information, the first information comprising: second timing range and first indication information; wherein the first indication information is used for indicating the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0220] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied to a network device of an NTN, and can comprise: a sending module 41 configured to send first information, the first information comprising: second indication information indicating the second timing range and first indication information; wherein the first indication information is used for indicating the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0221] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied to a network device of an NTN, and can comprise: a sending module 41 configured to send first information, the first information comprising: ephemeris information and first indication information, wherein the ephemeris information is used for determining the second timing range of the time offset; and the first indication information is used for indicating the time offset determined from the second timing range.

[0222] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied to a network device of an NTN, and can comprise: a sending module 41 configured to send high-layer signaling or physical layer signaling or system message carrying the first information.

[0223] It should be noted that the apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed alone or together with some apparatuses in the embodiments of the present disclosure or some apparatuses in related technologies.

[0224] As to the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0225] As Figure 9 shown, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus applied to a UE, which can include:

[0226] The receiving module 61 is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information includes timing range information and first indication information;

[0227] The processing module 62 is configured to determine a timing range of a time offset based on the timing range information.

[0228] The processing module 62 is configured to determine the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information.

[0229] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus applied to a UE, which can include:

[0230] The receiving module 61 is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information includes reference timing information indicating a reference timing time, a first timing range, and a first indication range;

[0231] The processing module 62 is configured to determine a time offset from the first timing range based on the first indication information and the reference timing time.

[0232] In one embodiment, the reference timing information is determined based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0233] In one embodiment, the reference timing information includes one of the following:

[0234] one or more time slots corresponding to the predetermined SCS;

[0235] one or more time slots.

[0236] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus applied to a UE, which can include:

[0237] The receiving module 61 is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information includes second timing range information and first indication information;

[0238] The processing module 62 is configured to determine a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0239] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a UE, which can comprise:

[0240] The receiving module 61 is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information comprises second indication information indicating a second timing range and first indication information;

[0241] The processing module 62 is configured to determine the second timing range based on the second indication information, and determine a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0242] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a UE, which can comprise:

[0243] The receiving module 61 is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information comprises ephemeris information and first indication information;

[0244] The processing module 62 is configured to determine the second timing range based on the ephemeris information, and determine a time offset from the second timing range based on the first indication information.

[0245] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a UE, which can comprise: the processing module 62 is configured to determine a second timing range of a time offset based on the ephemeris information and a preset correspondence relationship, wherein the correspondence relationship is a correspondence relationship between the ephemeris information and the second timing range.

[0246] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a UE, which can comprise: the receiving module 61 is configured to receive one of the following: high-layer signaling carrying first information, physical layer signaling carrying first information, or system message carrying first information.

[0247] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can understand that the device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can be executed alone or together with some devices in the embodiment of the present disclosure or some devices in related technologies.

[0248] Regarding the device in the above-mentioned embodiment, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiment related to the method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0249] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which comprises:

[0250] A processor;

[0251] A memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0252] The processor is configured to implement the communication method of any embodiment of the present disclosure when running the executable instructions.

[0253] In an embodiment, the communication device can be a network device or a UE of the NTN.

[0254] In an embodiment, the network device of the NTN comprises a base station.

[0255] The processor can include various types of storage media, which is a non-transitory computer storage medium, capable of continuing to remember information stored thereon after the user equipment is powered off.

[0256] The processor can be connected with the memory through a bus or the like, for reading an executable program stored on the memory, for example, as shown in Figures 4 to 7 At least one of the methods.

[0257] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer storage medium, which stores a computer executable program, and the executable program is executed by the processor to implement the communication method of any embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, at least one of the methods as shown in Figures 4 to 7 At least one of the methods.

[0258] As to the apparatus or the storage medium in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0259] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a user equipment 800 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the user equipment 800 can be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast user equipment, a messaging equipment, a game console, a tablet equipment, a medical equipment, a fitness equipment, a personal digital assistant, etc.

[0260] Referring to Figure 10 , the user equipment 800 can include one or more of the following components: a processing component 802, a memory 804, a power supply component 806, a multimedia component 808, an audio component 810, an input / output (I / O) interface 812, a sensor component 814, and a communication component 816.

[0261] The processing component 802 usually controls overall operations of the user equipment 800, such as operations associated with displaying, making phone calls, data communications, camera operations and recording operations. The processing component 802 can include one or more processors 820 to execute instructions to complete all or part of steps of the methods described above. In addition, the processing component 802 can include one or more modules to facilitate the interaction between the processing component 802 and other components. For example, the processing component 802 can include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component 808 and the processing component 802.

[0262] The memory 804 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the user device 800. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the user device 800, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, and the like. The memory 804 can be implemented by any type of volatile or nonvolatile storage devices or a combination thereof such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk.

[0263] The power component 806 provides power to the various components of the user device 800. The power component 806 can include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the user device 800.

[0264] The multimedia component 808 includes a screen providing an output interface between the user device 800 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen can be implemented as a touch screen to receive an input signal from a user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense a touch, a slide, and a gesture on the touch panel. The touch sensors can not only sense a boundary of a touching or a sliding action, but also detect duration and pressure related to the touching or sliding action. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 808 includes a front camera and / or a back camera. The front and / or back camera can receive external multimedia data when the user device 800 is in an operation mode such as a photographing mode or a video mode. Each of the front and back camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.

[0265] The audio component 810 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 810 includes a microphone (MIC) that is configured to receive an external audio signal when the user device 800 is in an operation mode such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 804 or transmitted via the communication component 816. In some embodiments, the audio component 810 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0266] The I / O interface 812 provides an interface between the processing component 802 and peripheral interface modules such as a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons can include, but are not limited to, a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0267] The sensor component 814 includes one or more sensors to provide status assessments for various aspects of the user device 800. For example, the sensor component 814 can detect an on / off status of the device 800, relative positioning of components, such as a display and keypad of the user device 800, a change in position of the user device 800 or a component of the user device 800, presence or absence of user contact with the user device 800, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the user device 800, and temperature changes of the user device 800. The sensor component 814 can include proximity sensor(s) configured to detect presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor component 814 can further include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor component 814 can further include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0268] The communication component 816 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the user device 800 and other devices. The user device 800 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 further includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, Ultra-WideBand (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0269] In an exemplary embodiment, the user device 800 can be implemented with one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic elements to perform the above-described methods.

[0270] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory 804 including instructions, is also provided, which can be executed by the processor 820 of the user device 800 to perform the above-described methods. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, and an optical data storage device, etc.

[0271] As Figure 11As shown, one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a structure of a base station. For example, the base station 900 can be provided as a network-side device. Referring to Figure 11 The base station 900 includes a processing component 922, which is further composed of one or more processors, and memory resources represented by a memory 932 for storing instructions, such as application programs, executable by the processing component 922. The application programs stored in the memory 932 can include one or more than one module each corresponding to a set of instructions. In addition, the processing component 922 is configured to execute the instructions to perform any method described above for the base station, such as the method shown in Figures 4 to 7 .

[0272] The base station 900 can also include a power supply component 926 configured to perform power management of the base station 900, a wired or wireless network interface 950 configured to connect the base station 900 to a network, and an input output (I / O) interface 958. The base station 900 can operate based on an operating system stored in the memory 932, such as Windows Server TM, Mac OS X TM, Unix TM, Linux TM, FreeBSD TM, or the like.

[0273] Other embodiments of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. It is intended that the present disclosure cover any and all variations of the present application which come within the scope of the claims and a concept underlying the application. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the application being indicated by the following claims.

[0274] It is to be understood that the application is not limited to the precise details of construction and the arrangement of components described above and illustrated in the drawings and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the application is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein, The method is performed by a network device of a non-terrestrial network (NTN), comprising: sending first information, the first information comprising timing range information, first indication information, and reference timing information indicating a reference timing time; wherein the timing range information is used to indicate a timing range of a time offset; the timing range information comprises a first timing range; the reference timing time and the first indication information are used to indicate the time offset determined from the first timing range.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: determining the reference timing information based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reference timing time comprises one of: one or more time slots corresponding to a predetermined sub-carrier spacing (SCS); one or more time slots.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The timing range information further comprises a second timing range or second indication information indicating the second timing range; wherein the first indication information is further used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The timing range information comprises ephemeris information, wherein the ephemeris information is used to determine a second timing range of the time offset; wherein the first indication information is further used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The sending of the first information comprises: sending high-layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

7. A communication method, wherein, The method is performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving first information, wherein the first information comprises timing range information, first indication information, and reference timing information indicating a reference timing time; determining a timing range of a time offset based on the timing range information; wherein the determining of the timing range of the time offset based on the timing range information comprises determining a first timing range of the time offset based on a first timing range comprised in the timing range information; determining the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information; wherein the determining of the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information comprises determining the time offset from the first timing range based on the first indication information and the reference timing time.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The reference timing information is determined based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The reference timing information comprises one of: one or more time slots corresponding to a predetermined sub-carrier spacing (SCS); one or more time slots.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein, The determining of the timing range of the time offset based on the timing range information further comprises one of: determining a second timing range of the time offset based on a second timing range comprised in the timing range information; determining the second timing range of the time offset based on second indication information indicating the second timing range comprised in the timing range information; determining the second timing range of the time offset based on ephemeris information comprised in the timing range information.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The determining of the second timing range of the time offset based on the ephemeris information comprised in the timing range information comprises: The second timing range of the time offset is determined based on the ephemeris information and a preset correspondence relationship, where the correspondence relationship is a correspondence relationship between ephemeris information and a second timing range.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein, The receiving the first information comprises: Receiving high-layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

13. A communications device, wherein, A network device applied to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) comprises: A sending module configured to send first information, the first information comprising timing range information, first indication information, and reference timing information indicating a reference timing time; The timing range information is used to indicate a timing range of a time offset; the timing range information comprises a first timing range; The reference timing time and the first indication information are used to indicate the time offset determined from the first timing range.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The apparatus comprises: A processing module configured to determine the reference timing information based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein, The reference timing time comprises one of the following: One or more time slots corresponding to a predetermined sub-carrier spacing (SCS); One or more time slots.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The timing range information further comprises a second timing range or second indication information indicating the second timing range; The first indication information is further used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The timing range information comprises ephemeris information, where the ephemeris information is used to determine a second timing range of the time offset; The first indication information is further used to indicate the time offset determined from the second timing range.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein The sending module is configured to send high-layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

19. A communications device, wherein, A network device applied to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) comprises: A receiving module configured to receive first information, where the first information comprises timing range information, first indication information, and reference timing information indicating a reference timing time; A processing module configured to determine a timing range of a time offset based on the timing range information; where the processing module is specifically configured to determine a first timing range of the time offset based on a first timing range comprised in the timing range information; The processing module is further configured to determine the time offset from the timing range based on the first indication information; where the processing module is specifically configured to determine the time offset from the first timing range based on the first indication information and the reference timing time.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The reference timing information is determined based on ephemeris information of a satellite.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein, The reference timing information comprises one of the following: One or more time slots corresponding to a predetermined sub-carrier spacing (SCS); One or more time slots.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The processing module is further configured to: Determine a second timing range of the time offset based on a second timing range comprised in the timing range information; or Determine the second timing range of the time offset based on second indication information indicating the second timing range comprised in the timing range information; or determine the second timing range of the time offset based on ephemeris information included in the timing range information. 23.The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, the processing module is further configured to determine the second timing range of the time offset based on the ephemeris information and a pre-configured correspondence relationship, wherein the correspondence relationship is a correspondence relationship between ephemeris information and a second timing range. 24.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, the receiving module is further configured to receive high layer signaling or physical layer signaling carrying the first information.

25. A communications device, comprising: The communication device comprises: a processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-6 or 7-12 when the executable instructions are executed.

26. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores a computer executable program, and the executable program is executed by the processor to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-6 or 7-12.

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